tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1 2008-07-01T15:40:40Z Celebrating life in rural America and sharing my respect for animal agriculture. Movable Type 3.33 tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.195 2008-07-01T15:20:24Z 2008-07-01T15:40:40Z

I'm back from my month of studying Spanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was a great month of learning, exploring, and having fun with a great group of students eager to conquer another language and culture. Here is a picture...

Amanda Spanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was a great month of learning, exploring, and having fun with a great group of students eager to conquer another language and culture. Here is a picture of our group. Now, that I'm home, I'm hitting the ground running. I really missed my blog, and chatting with all of you about some of the key issues facing agriculture today. Don't worry, there is plenty of time for that. I'm also really excited to share my adventures in South America with you. For now, I'm trying to catch up on my freelance writing work, spend some time with my family and my cattle, and get ready to move to Minneapolis in a week where I will begin my internship with BEEF Magazine! :) It's going to be a busy week, but stay tuned, because next week you're in for a treat here on Chewing The Cud. Here is a little taste of what I mean... You'll come back to visit now, won't ya? Until then, let me know what you all have been up to! I would love to hear from you! Love, Amanda ]]> tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.194 2008-05-22T21:27:05Z 2008-05-22T21:31:31Z

With the semester finished, I’ve had three busy and eventful weeks adjusting back to life as a country girl on my cow-calf operation in Southeast South Dakota. Having barely unpacked my bags, my dad had me outside working my...

Amanda Every night, Daddy and I would check over the babies to look for signs of scours. Mind you, we are not a horse and lasso family. With our four-wheeler and a long metal hook called a calf-catch, Dad and I snuck up on our sickly suspects. Dad extended the catch, looping a back leg above the hock. I would bail off the four-wheeler, grab the front leg, and flip the calf. Dad would proceed to sit on the belly of the calf while I inserted pills in the calf’s mouth. It was a nightly rodeo for my Dad and I. Other chores for the week included washing the show calves and hanging up fans in the barn. At night, Dad and I would trek to our customer’s farms, delivering bulls and turning them out to pasture. Finally, this week the whole family has been working to move all of the cows to pasture. Working cattle is no easy task. In my family, everyone has an opinion on how to sort and work the calves, and any farmwife or daughter can relate to a dad who has his own symbols and hand gestures for communicating to his family what he wants done. The waving and whooping made for an interesting scene as we maneuvered pairs into the working chute and onto the trailer. With that task completed, the entire family breathes a sigh of relief. The cows are out to pasture, the show calves are in the barn, and the bulls have been delivered. The summer can finally begin on our cow-calf operation. Having finally adjusted back to life as a farm girl, it’s a sad thought that I’m leaving once again for my next adventure. In a week’s time, I will be leaving the continent for Argentina. For the month of June, I will explore the city of Buenos Aires to attend Spanish classes, live with a host family, and complete my goal of studying abroad during my college career. As I pack for this long-awaited adventure, I anticipate many differences. Did you know that Buenos Aires is the ninth largest city in the world? I’ll be trading cows for people, four-wheelers for subways, English for Spanish, country music for salsa and tango, summer for winter, and prairie grasses for skyscrapers. I’ll admit, I’m a little nervous for this trip, but I’m very excited to explore a new part of the world. And like they always say, you can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl! ]]> tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.193 2008-05-21T19:12:29Z 2008-05-21T19:13:33Z

With summer nearly in full swing, cattlemen across the country have been busy moving their cattle to pasture grasses. For cattlemen, summer is the season to fatten calves for predetermined destinations. While some opt for the sale barn, many are...

Amanda With summer nearly in full swing, cattlemen across the country have been busy moving their cattle to pasture grasses. For cattlemen, summer is the season to fatten calves for predetermined destinations. While some opt for the sale barn, many are utilizing marketing opportunities such as selling on the grid or qualifying for various top choice programs. For calves with Limousin influence, a new marketing option is available at the conclusion of the upcoming summer months. Strauss Veal and Lamb International is now offering their Strauss “Meadow Raised” Veal Program, specifically tailored for Limousin breeders wanting to sell their 400-500 pound calves at the end of the summer. Strauss Veal and Lamb International is based in Franklin, Wisc. Established in 1937, Strauss’ product line includes veal, domestic and imported lamb, and beef and venison imports. Earning $137 million in profits last year, this international company has building power with producers and consumers alike. A Perfect Match Strauss’ qualifications for the “Meadow Raised” Veal products are simple. Calves must be all natural, given absolutely no antibiotics, growth hormones, or fed animal by-products. The calves will roam freely, grazing on pasture grass and drinking fresh water and their mother’s milk. Strauss believes utilizing the fattened calf will be the purest form of milk fed veal, a product that consumers and chefs have been seeking for years. So when Strauss Veal and Lamb International set out to choose the perfect breed to fit their standards, Limousin was an easy decision. After testing small groups of cattle representing various breeds, Limousin proved they could hit all the desired requirements for a great tasting veal product. In fact, consumer taste panels ranked Limousin first in 26 of 28 tests conducted. The benefits of this program for the producer are grand. As another buyer for Limousin influenced calves, supplying pre-weaned calves at 400-500 pounds eliminates the cost and time spent preconditioning calves for the feedlot, administering antibiotics, and feeding creep feed, along with lowering the feed costs of cattle by weaning early. Strauss’ offer a $50 hot carcass premium for calves weighing within their target weight goals, with no price differentiation among bulls, steers and heifers. Prices will be based on Cattle-Fax average weekly price for Choice calves weighing 450 pounds. On top of all the benefits and increased profits of the program, trucking is paid for by Strauss for a full load of calves equaling 90 head. On-farm pickups will be arranged, and multiple operations can pool together their calves for a full truckload. An Opportunity for Change Traditionally, veal is a Holstein bull calf, raised in a stall and fed a liquid diet. Predominantly raised in dairy states, veal is a popular delicacy that people enjoy all over the world. However, consumers concerned about the welfare of animals, often struggle with the way veal is produced. Strauss Veal and Lamb hopes to compassionately raise veal products and revolutionize the veal industry through their “Meadow Raised” Veal Program. Strauss products are sold to the finest retailers, wholesalers and restaurant chains across the country and abroad. To get involved, cattle producers must participate in a short training course to become a verified supplier. Calves must be age and source verified using Five Star Cattle Systems. tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.192 2008-05-15T18:17:16Z 2008-05-15T18:18:00Z

In an entrance as grand as their heroic tour of duty in Iraq, the National Guard’s 731st Transportation Company was lead to their honorary steak feed in Olathe, Kans. by motorcycles driven by Veterans of Foreign Wars Members and Kansas...

Amanda In an entrance as grand as their heroic tour of duty in Iraq, the National Guard’s 731st Transportation Company was lead to their honorary steak feed in Olathe, Kans. by motorcycles driven by Veterans of Foreign Wars Members and Kansas Patrolmen. Holding full-sized American flags, the motorcycles purred as the troops were lead into the Armory. For the group of veterans and cattlemen of the All-American Beef Battalion, hosting a steak feed to honor the troops was a way to show their gratitude for the troops’ yearlong deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The steak feed, held on April 26, 2008, was the first honorary Steaks For Troops event hosted by the Battalion. As the 731st Transportation Company entered the armory, their spirits seemed upbeat and jovial. Serving the troops, their spouses, and members of the Patriot Guard, there were over 200 people at the event. Creekstone Farms Premium Beef generously donated 420 pounds of ribeye steaks for the event while the Beef Empire Days PRCA Rodeo Committee prepared the meal. Sizzling Steaks While the steaks sizzled on the grill, All American Beef Battalion Chairman Jim Odle opened the event with a speech of welcome and thanks to the troops. Following Odle, Kansas Speaker of the House Melvin Neufeld spoke words of appreciation to the troop members, thanking them for their gift of service. “This has been the most heartfelt and sincere event I have attended in all 24 years I have been in politics,” said Neufeld following the event. “The All American Beef Battalion has certainly started a great thing with these steak feeds,” For Chairman Jim Odle, the event couldn’t have gone any better. “The steaks were tremendous, the troops enjoyed themselves, and I think we did something great to make a difference,” said Odle, who is working with the committee to plan the next steak feed in Montana on May 31 for a group of Marines. “I have always felt that we cannot do enough to give thanks to the men and women who work to protect our country. I am dedicated to making our nation better in any way I can.” A Deserving Crew For the 731st Transportation Company, the steak feed was well deserved. As one of the most decorated companies in the 11th Transportation Battalion, they were known as one of the elite Convoy Security Companies. In Iraq, they served as a convoy security force—one of the most dangerous missions in the theater. As a group, they completed 360 convoy escort missions, safely moving more than 21,000 trucks filled with food, fuel and supplies. On average, each soldier conducted 58 combat missions. Impressively, the unit put on more than one million hard miles on their Convoy Protections Platforms. “We are so grateful for everything the troops have done for us,” said Odle, who was surprised at the event with a certificate of appreciation for the All American Beef Battalion from the 731st Transportation Company. “The steak feed was truly successful. Troop members and their senior officers were so thankful for this event. It was really, very touching.” Giving Thanks It is without question that the 731st Transportation Company gave America a great service of sacrifice and dedication in their tour of duty to Iraq. For the All American Beef Battalion, having the opportunity to thank these men and women was the key vision for their organization. Since August of 2007, they have worked countless hours to finally be able to give a steak feed to the troops. With the help and support of veterans, community members, and cattlemen, these steak feeds have been made possible. As the motorcycles left the building, they headed to the horizon with American flags waving in their hands. The members of the 731st Transportation Company certainly enjoyed a fun-filled evening with steaks, entertainment, speeches, and the companionship of those that support them. tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.191 2008-05-05T22:04:47Z 2008-05-05T22:05:38Z

It’s finals here on the campus of South Dakota State University. The sun is shining, the grass is growing, the birds are chirping, and I’m stuck inside studying for my final exams. I’m anxious to return home to my...

Amanda It’s finals here on the campus of South Dakota State University. The sun is shining, the grass is growing, the birds are chirping, and I’m stuck inside studying for my final exams. I’m anxious to return home to my family’s cattle operation. I’m excited to see the new baby calves, to start washing my show cattle, and to move cow-calf pairs out to pasture. With summer in sight, I’m looking forward to steaks on the grill, fresh watermelon and cucumbers, and crisp ice tea. I will soon replace the books, the rent money, the tests, and the club meetings at school for cleaning barns, mowing the yard, and fixing fences. As I complete my final week on campus, I realize that although nine months out of the year I am away from the cattle business, every time I return home I have learned something new to give to the operation. Maybe that’s what makes learning so important. What about all of you? What are you looking forward to as spring fades into summer? Do you hear the crickets chirping, the bonfires cackling, and the summer waters splashing onto the shore? Do you smell the fresh cut hay, the charcoal of the grill, the flowers taking bloom? What is your favorite part of summer? Let’s talk it out on the blog! tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.190 2008-04-23T20:18:07Z 2008-04-23T20:40:49Z

Missing in Action is 20-year-old SDSU Ag Journalism major, Amanda Nolz. Last seen or heard from on this blog site on April 8, 2008! Blue eyes, brown hair, 5' 3", full of witty banter, and a passion for the...

Amanda Missing in Action is 20-year-old SDSU Ag Journalism major, Amanda Nolz. Last seen or heard from on this blog site on April 8, 2008! Blue eyes, brown hair, 5' 3", full of witty banter, and a passion for the beef industry. Do you know her? Have you seen this girl? She certainly hasn't been around to compete in the totally awesome "More Beef in More Places Contest" hosted by the 2008 National Beef Ambassador Team. Deadline is coming soon, check it out now! She wasn't out helping her fellow beef bloggers write about the environment. See Chris' story here. She also hasn't been around to visit up with her fellow bloggies Melissa and Daren. If you have time, check out their adventures in agriculture! So where has this girl been anyway? I heard she was seen promoting Trent Loos' arrival to SDSU, May 1st, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Head to Brookings for good food, friends, and a great speaker! She was also spotted promoting the All American Beef Batallion's very first steak feed for the troops on April 26, 2008 in Kansas. If you haven't heard about this group, check out their website and find out what heroic veterans and cattlemen can accomplish to honor our nation's freedom fighters. She has also been seen in the library, studying up her Spanish for her month study abroad trip to Argentina in June. Oh, but wait! I know where she must be! She is sitting at her desk, writing stories about the beef industry for the Farmers' Advance and the Tri-State Livestock News. On top of that, she is polishing up her portfolio for her 7 week internship with BEEF Magazine. IMPORTANT: If you see this girl, tell her to go home immediately and visit all her new baby calves (and her parents and sisters of course.) She is armed with a notebook and a lap top, and she is dangerously always on the move. We must not delay in detaining this girl and reminding her that agriculture is all about enjoying the beauty of nature and appreciating agriculture and food production! Please report back for further sightings of the college student.]]> tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.189 2008-04-09T03:38:09Z 2008-04-09T03:42:47Z

Want to be a part of a really sweet contest? The National Beef Ambassadors have a challenge for you! Videotape footage of where and when or how you enjoy beef, and place the video on YouTube. Send the video to...

Amanda here! To all my readers, I'm sorry for my long absence. Little "I" took over SDSU's campus last week, leaving me busy with 17 judging contests, a sheep, a bull, three machinery sales contests, an ag product sales contest, agronomy show, and round robin showmanship. I competed in ALL of that to win the coveted High Point Upperclassmen Award. It was a busy week, and now it's back to the grind stone. Stay tuned for exciting adventures to come. Start shooting that video! ]]> tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.188 2008-03-26T05:29:08Z 2008-03-26T05:34:05Z

On my farm, everyone in my family has a cow that they favor among all the others. If you asked my dad, its 250C, the old mama cow that raised his favorite herd bull of all time. For my sister...

Amanda ]]> tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.187 2008-03-17T16:43:11Z 2008-03-17T16:48:23Z

Dr. Lynn Locatelli from Cattlexpressions joins me today to discuss low stress handling practices for cattle....

Amanda ]]> tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.186 2008-03-10T18:35:08Z 2008-03-10T18:45:57Z

I received this message back from Cyrta...read on for both sides of the story. Thank you for your response Amanda. When you say "cattle touch our lives on an everyday basis", that may be true, but not because of the...

Amanda Thank you for your response Amanda.
When you say "cattle touch our lives on an everyday basis", that may be true, but not because of the product list you supplied. Cattle and other animals do affect me almost daily as I am saddened by the cruelty and massive waste of life and resources spent to, as you say, "feed the world", with animals. I do not eat animals, yet I live and breathe.
Please realize that people like me who choose to be informed about the products we use, must constantly question and research for answers regarding the products we consume. I and many others do not think that people reign over other species of the world and that they are our property with which to do as we choose.
The earth belongs to all it's inhabitants. The business of breeding and torturing millions of cattle and other "livestock" (that word is appalling) to feed with grain fields, which could be produce vegetation for human consumption, is wasteful, egotistical, and environmentally unsound. And the fact that you point to products that use animal-based ingredients, only proves the issue at hand, that there is too much "production" of animals for food, so using byproducts makes more sense than researching alternatives. But that does not mean that alternatives are not feasible or readily available.
I can think of much more noble callings in life than to exploit animals in the way that your life dedication does. I cannot imagine your position, however and realize it must be impossible to face the facts when so many animals have suffered as a result. Cyrta, I hope you don't mind I use your comments as blog posts, I just really feel that the points you make are valid and I want others to read them, really read them, and then hear my side of the story as well to make their own conclusions. I don't doubt that you put a great deal of research into the foods you consume, and I respect that. In that aspect, I feel quite researched and intelligent about my confidence in consuming meat. I truly believe it is produced with respect for animal life. No, I don't believe as PETA's Ingrid Newkirk believes that, "a rat, is a pig, is a horse, is a child." I believe God made humans with emotions, with feelings, with intellect, with decision making abilities, with reasoning skills that animals do not have. Of course, I become friends with my cattle, and of course, its hard to say goodbye; but the edible and inedible byproducts we receive from cattle are used to give meaning to their life. Would cattle really exist were they set free to search for their own food and water? Would they be able to take care of themselves in a blizzard? Would they be able to order a load of water in the summer heat when the stock dam goes dry? Would they be able to receive their antibiotics to maintain optimal health? Would they be able to give themselves straw to lay in and shelter to stand behind? I truly believe the answer is no. I dedicate my entire life not only to the beef industry, but to the cattle industry because I truly love them. Of course, its hard to think about ending the life of an animal, but while alive, cattlemen provide the best life possible to these animals. I'm sorry you feel the way you do about the word livestock. To me the word means, animals kept on a farm such as horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, turkeys, and chicken. It is a term that applies to all of the species in which I represent in agriculture. Also, you point out that corn should be planted for human consumption instead of livestock production. I ask, what else do we feed cattle? Is there enough grass to sustain these animals to which you care so much about? I don't believe we have a food shortage in this world, I believe we have a money shortage and the means to distribute this food to people that need it most. Anyway Cyrta, I really appreciate this dialogue and I hope you will keep an open mind as we discuss this further. Please know that I'm giving my best to understand your point of view as well. I think understanding is the most important thing we can give to one another. Thanks again! :)]]> tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.185 2008-03-09T00:53:49Z 2008-03-09T01:29:50Z

I was sent this message today from a concerned citizen... I will take the time to address the statements below. I went through quite a few of your posts and read a bit about who you are. I appreciate your...

Amanda I was sent this message today from a concerned citizen... I will take the time to address the statements below. I went through quite a few of your posts and read a bit about who you are. I appreciate your position on the industry as you have been involved in the operations your entire life as it was your family business. The main image picture on your site is lovely. I see that you mention the cattle are not from your farm. I think that most people get a similar image mentally when they think about the beef industry. As with any business in America today however, the bottom line rules. This picture seems quite unrealistic to me, as there are 6 cattle pictured grazing on acres of lush green land. Would you agree that this is not typical of current farm in the doing business in beef? What are your thoughts on the "certified humane" standards and does your ranch participate? You say that when you send the cattle you raise to be "processed" that you know they will be treated well. How is it that you know this and along those lines, can you please enlighten us with footage of what really happens, from your perspective? There are many documented videos of inhumane practices and horrific happenings at processing plants, but I am hard pressed to find opposing proof. As you know, people like to see for themselves, so hopefully you can provide some links or other footage portraying the facts as you know them. Sorry I have so many questions right off the bat. I look forward to any answers you can provide. -Cyrta, Consumorality First off, thank you so much for your questions and concerns. I hope to be able to answer them fully and to the best of my abilities. To start, yes, I grew up on a cattle ranch where my family and I raise purebred Limousin cattle. We are the start of the pasture to plate process. We sell seedstock for cow-calf producers. Next, cattle go to stocker operations or feedlots, where they are finished on grain, until they move to a processer where they are harvested and sent to retailers. No, the picture on my site isn't of my operation. I chose it, simply, because I thought it looked nice as a banner across my screen. The heifer in the other picture, along with those found in my gallery are of my real cattle. This may be the "Ideal" picture of the beef industry, but it is also accurate. Cow-calf producers utilize land that can't be urbanized or used for crop production. If not for cattle production, half of our country would go to waste. Of course, realistically, there is not enough pasture land to substain livestock year round, and that is where grain and feedlots are an efficient source to raise beef cattle. While it is something that is criticized by many, it is not only an efficient way of beef production, but it is also a balanced diet for the livestock. To me, providing the optimal health care along with the proper nutrients for livestock is the best life I can give to the cattle I love. Other images of the beef industry fluctuate in different phases of production, but for my family and I, a lush pasture is definitely what we provide our cattle in the spring and summertime. I had never heard of the Certified Humane site you speak of, and upon checking out the website, it seems like a good one. Also, I notice some of the organizations presented on the website are not exactly fans of animal agriculture, and through legislation, would like to see all animals free and liberated. I'm not sure that is credible or wise. I don't feel cattle ranchers need to be certified into this organization in order to follow best animal handling practices for livestock production. Livestock production is more than a business, its a passion. You have to truly love the cattle to be involved in this industry. For my family and I, as well as the rest of the cattle producers I know, using best animal handling practices is smart, its safe, and it shows love for the cattle we raise. I'm sorry that you may have the wrong perception of the beef industry based on footage of mistreatment of livestock. This saddens me deeply, and I have an incredibly hard time viewing these videos as I can't even imagine what kind of person could treat an animal in such a manner. Of course, with anything, there are bad apples; it doesn't describe the whole basket though. Although I don't have footage of the harvesting of an animal, I have seen it first-hand. I work at the South Dakota State University's meat lab, and there is a viewing room that is open to the public for anyone that wishes to watch the process. Perhaps you would like to meet to come and watch? Also, I'm on the SDSU Meats Judging Team where I spend hours on end in a packing plant. The cattle are treated with care and respect, and they are processed in a manner that gives meaning to their life. Cattle touch our lives on an everday basis, whether its meat products or byproducts such as makeup, crayons, stearic acid for our tires, antifreeze, insulin, or blood factors. The possibilities are endless. I know that we may not agree on everything, and I have an idea that we may have very different ideas on this topic. I sincerely hope you can tell I write from the heart. I'm not on a secret agenda, and I'm not working for anyone. I'm a cattle producer, a farm girl, and a grown adult that hopes to dedicate my life to agriculture. Feeding the world is one of the best callings in life one can partake in. I'm so proud to be a part of this industry, and my heart and soul is truly in the beef cattle industry. I hope that you will present any other questions as they come up, and I'm honestly thankful for your questions. From my heart to yours, always putting agriculture first, Amanda ]]> tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.184 2008-03-08T15:52:04Z 2008-03-08T15:56:27Z

I'm planning my study abroad trip to Argentina this summer, where I will be studying Spanish. It is well known that I am a beef cattle enthusiast, but when that was brought up in my first orientation class this week,...

Amanda I'm planning my study abroad trip to Argentina this summer, where I will be studying Spanish. It is well known that I am a beef cattle enthusiast, but when that was brought up in my first orientation class this week, I heard interesting feedback from my professor about her conceptions of the beef industry. Trent Loos and I dive into this topic this week in a show I know you'll enjoy! :) tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.183 2008-03-08T15:49:06Z 2008-03-08T15:51:04Z

A video is released displaying the treatment of cattle. First, the infamous “mad cow” and now the downer cows at a California packing plant. Although the videos don’t depict an accurate picture of typical animal handling practices followed by...

Amanda Activist Tactics Upon being interviewed on the The Colbert Report, Newkirk told reporters, “Because we’re so greedy in this country, we feed livestock more grain now than ever before to make them fat so we can have more meat.” A contradiction perhaps? Duane Wulf, professor of meat science at South Dakota State University, certainly think so. “Newkirk makes an uniformed comment with this statement,” said Wulf, who has been on faculty at SDSU since 1999. “Saying that we feed more grain than ever before is simply a false statement, and the feed that livestock consume is primarily used for muscle production, not fat production. Furthermore, she offers no logical explanation why feeding grain to livestock is greedy.” Of course, in her closing argument for the abolishment of animal agriculture and for the spread of vegetarianism, Newkirk had another sound byte to offer in her media interview. “I think everyone should be a vegetarian,” said Newkirk, who has recently released nude photos of actors and actresses in her appeal to encourage the vegan and vegetarian trend. “Vegetarianism is healthier, it’s better for the environment, and of course, its kinder to the animals.” Why is this important for cattle producers to know? With animal rights activists creating waves and influencing the headlines in the media, maintaining a high demand for beef is crucial. Producers need to be aware and take an active part in promoting their industry, before an organization like PETA spreads more lies about beef cattle production. For Dr. Duane Wulf, the thought process behind these statements is simply irrational. “One could argue with Newkirk on those three claims,” said Wulf, a member of the American Meat Science Association (AMSA). “Whether or not you include meat in your diet has less impact on your health that including a variety of proteins, fats, complex carbohydrates, and the required minerals and vitamins, as well as adjusting total caloric intake to total calorie expenditure. Even though it’s not clear in Newkirk’s mind, ranchers truly care about their livestock. They show kindness to animals by providing them with optimal health care and a balanced diet.” The Real Threat While PETA represents very extreme views, a greater threat to animal agriculture may lie in the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). As one of the largest lobbying organizations in Washington D.C., HSUS confuses well-meaning citizens into donating money under the disguise that they actually help stray cats and dogs. Shockingly, HSUS doesn’t own or operate a single animal shelter. Instead, HSUS uses their $250 million budget in legislation against animal agriculture. As far as their recent successes? On top of endorsing legislation against gestation crates in Florida and Arizona, HSUS was the culprit that released the video from the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company, causing a historical 143 million pound recall of beef from their facilities. Obviously, animal rights activists such as HSUS and PETA hold no thoughts about slowing down their agendas to give agriculturalists a fighting chance. As they progress in their agendas down the future, a wise rancher will stay aware of their movements and react accordingly. Strong convictions and sound science are the two ways cattlemen an women will find success in the war against animal rights activists. ]]> tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.182 2008-02-26T02:45:17Z 2008-02-26T02:46:19Z

The headlines have flashed with news about the largest beef recall in history. After California based packing plant, Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co. voluntarily recalled about 143 million pounds of raw and frozen beef products on Feb. 4, 2008. USDA’s Food...

Amanda What Went Wrong The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) caught footage of the mistreatment of cattle at the Chino-based packing plant via videotape. Notably, HSUS is one of the largest leading animal rights groups with the main mission of abolishing animal agriculture. As a result of the video, USDA conducted an investigation of the plant and discovered that the plant was not in compliance with USDA FSIS rules and regulations, allowing non-ambulatory cattle to be harvested for human consumption without ante mortem inspection. “It’s important to note that this recall is not about whether the beef was safe or not; its about how the cattle were handled and treated outside of the packing plant, said Kendal Frazier of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA), “We strongly condemn what happened at the packing plant. Every cattlemen that viewed the footage has been appalled about how the cattle were treated at that plant. This is not what really happens in beef production system in United States.” So what is the media sensationalizing about? Is this really a food safety concern for consumers? “As far as food safety goes, the media never fails to point out issues such as BSE,” said Frazier who serves as NCBA’s Vice President of Public Opinion and Issues Management. “The reason we have the safest beef in the world is that the United States has a set of interlocking firewalls to ensure that BSE never enters the food supply. For example, any specified risk material of a beef carcass is not allowed into the beef supply.” What the Industry is doing right “Plants must follow a set of regulations and statutes on the humane treatment of animals, and this plant was not in compliance with these regulations,” said Dr. Richard Raymond, USDA Undersecretary of Food Safety; “We suspended inspection promptly after inspection. The non-ambulatory cattle seen in the video unlikely entered the food supply.” Through evidence obtained by Food Safety Inspection Service, the establishment did not consistently contact the FSIS public health veterinarian in situations in which cattle become non-ambulatory after passing ante-mortem inspection, which is not compliant with FSIS regulations. “I can confidently say there is a low risk of a food safety scare for the beef supply in this isolated incident,” said Raymond. “It’s important to remember that this is a Class II recall, meaning there is a remote possibility for an adverse health effect through the consumption of this product. I would feed the recalled beef to my family, with confidence.” Producers Need to Take Action With the media presenting a hoard of misconceptions and assumptions relating to the general wholesomeness and safety of the United States’ beef supply, it is critical to recognize this situation as an isolated incident. As consumers try to sort through the fact and fiction of the news’ headlines presented by the lobbying giant, HSUS, it is crucial for American cattle ranchers to stand up and tell the agriculture production story. With a doubt, cattle producers should follow best animal husbandry practices to ensure the integrity of the beef supply. In addition, producers should take the opportunity to explain and provide an accurate outlet for information to consumers concerned about the safety off the beef supply, as well as the welfare of the cattle harvested. As the entire beef industry chain strives to provide a safe, wholesome and nutritious product, consumers should feel confident and secure in the decision to continue to incorporate beef into a balanced diet. ]]> tag:www.chewingthecud.org,2008://1.181 2008-02-21T16:39:14Z 2008-02-21T17:36:14Z

The headlines have flashed with news about the largest beef recall in history. After California based packing plant, Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co. voluntarily recalled about 143 million pounds of raw and frozen beef products on Feb. 17. USDA’s Food Safety...

Amanda The headlines have flashed with news about the largest beef recall in history. After California based packing plant, Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co. voluntarily recalled about 143 million pounds of raw and frozen beef products on Feb. 17. USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) made the announcement that the products were unfit for human consumption because some of the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection. With all of the hype about this colossal recall, the media has been buzzing nonstop about the safety and health of the beef supply. However, consumers have no reason to worry about the safety of the United States’ beef supply. In fact, this is a critical time for cattle producers to stand up and promote the safety and wholesomeness of the beef products they produce. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Vice President of Public Opinion and Issues Management, Kendal Frazier stresses the safety of the beef supply. Frazier works to ensure consumer confidence and offers his insight on this historic recall.